KARORI-MAKAKA SEPARATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 383, 14 June 1879, Page 23

KARORI-MAKAKA SEPARATION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND MAIL. Sir, —Tn reference to a paragraphia youissue of the 3rd instant on the above subject, allow me to state that this movement has nothing to do with the affairs of the Hutt County Council, but probably may lead to it. At present the movement is confined to soundings and private conferences, ; but like a smothered fire is sure to break out with redoubled force when the fitting time has come, which cannot now be long delayed. The electors of this portion of the Wellington Couutry District consider, without impugning either the integrity or efficiency of their member, that its interest has been neglected in Parliament. You are doubtless aware that since the inauguration of the Public Works policythere has been, so to speak, a regular scramble among the different constituencies for a share of the expenditure. For many reasons we could not expect to participate in the scramble for railways ; we did expect, nevertheless that we would not be entirely left, out in the cold, there being numerous public works in the district left unfinished since the old provincial days, which, with a little persuasion from a member, having interests in common with r«, may be performed with Government gran . Take as an instance the Polhiil GuUy-roa 1, delayed for want of funds until the Wellington Corporation obtuiued the laud, and returned a cold Non posw.mns ; the diversion of tho Karori-road, which it is impossible for tho

local body to carry out for want of hinds ; the Parkvale-road, which would bring Makara two miles nearer Wellington, with a level road to boot ; the Obariu-road, connecting North Makara with the Ohariu Valley and the West Coast, without making a detour of twenty miles. All these might have been done during the past if Karori was represented as the electors consider they should be. Any person reading Hansard year after year must see that similar works were undertaken elsewhere. There are many in the district who believe that the West Coast line of railway should be taken along the Karori, Makara, and Ohariu "Valleys, and would be if properly represented to the Government. As to separating from the Hutt County Council, I quite agree with you that it would be better to expend the money which woidd be spent in keeping officers, &c., in making roads and bridges, but there is still another aspect to be looked at—What if the money for the roads and bridges be not given, or the roads and bridges lefc unformed ? Out of a subsidy which ought to amount to nearly £IOOO the local body received £4OO, leaving a deficit of £OOO for our portion of expense-*, charitable and county. I will not vouch for the accuracy of these figure?, but baling my knowledge on "information received" 1 hardly think they are fur out. These figures cover a period of three years, so that we lose £2OO a year in expenses already. If you will, with your usual kindness, give insertion to this, I will on Home future occasion give you my own opinions on the hospital and charitable aid questions, as these are the opinions now circulating among the ratepayers of this district.—l am, &c, ItU.STICUS. P.S.—Although the latter part of this letter may seem to have no connection with the former, it will recall to mind some incidences of the canvassing addresses of the candidates at the last election, in which the question of subsidies, special and general, were jumbled together. For obvious reasons I have refrained fiom considering the question on political grounds, our first count in the indictment being that we are not Parliamentarily represented.